Disc Centrifuge
Filtration Equipment
1. Product Overview
The disc centrifuge (disc stack separator) is a high-efficiency separator in which multiple conical discs inside the bowl form thin-layer separation channels. Under the intense centrifugal field generated by high-speed rotation, it performs liquid-solid clarification, liquid-liquid separation or three-phase liquid-liquid-solid separation. It consists of the bowl, disc stack, distributor, paring pump (centripetal pump), vertical shaft and frame, drive system and control system. It is widely used for milk skimming and clarification, vegetable oil refining, juice and beer clarification, yeast recovery, biodiesel and oil separation, pharmaceutical fermentation broth separation, and mineral oil and lubricating oil purification. Key features: high separation factor (5000～15000), high separation precision, large throughput, continuous operation, excellent containment and automatic sludge discharge.
2. Working Principle
Feed enters the bottom of the bowl through the top feed pipe and distributor, flows upward through the neutral holes of the discs and is distributed into the disc gaps to form thin layers. In the centrifugal field produced by high-speed rotation, the heavier solid phase (or heavy liquid phase) slides outward along the lower surface of the discs and collects on the bowl wall, while the lighter liquid phase flows inward along the upper surface of the discs toward the center; the phases are then discharged from their respective outlets by the upper paring pump. Solids are removed by periodic automatic sludge discharge (piston discharge type) or continuously through nozzles (nozzle type), so that feeding, separation and sludge discharge proceed as one continuous process.
3. System Classification
By separation process:
Clarifying disc centrifuge: liquid-solid separation, removal of trace suspended solids with periodic solids discharge / clarification of juice, beer and pharmaceutical extracts
Separating disc centrifuge: liquid-liquid separation, with the light and heavy phases discharged continuously and separately / dairy skimming, vegetable oil refining, biodiesel
Three-phase disc centrifuge: simultaneous liquid-liquid-solid separation with separate discharge of the light phase, heavy phase and solids / solids-laden oils, fermentation broth, sludge-containing emulsions
4. Detailed Specifications
4.1 Common Materials of Construction
| Material | Applicable Parts / Media | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| 304 stainless steel | Bowl, disc stack | General purpose, resistant to mild corrosion |
| 316L stainless steel | Highly corrosive, chloride-containing media | Preferred for chemical and pharmaceutical duties |
| Duplex stainless steel 2205 | High-chloride and highly abrasive media | Excellent resistance to pitting and stress corrosion |
4.2 Typical Specification Table
| Bowl diameter (mm) | Max. speed (r/min) | Separation factor | Capacity (m³/h) | Main motor power (kW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300～350 | 7000～9000 | 8000～15000 | 0.5～3 | 4～7.5 |
| 400～470 | 5500～7000 | 7000～11000 | 3～15 | 7.5～18.5 |
| 500～600 | 4000～5500 | 5000～9000 | 15～40 | 18.5～45 |
4.3 Design Conditions and Performance Indicators
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Separation factor | 5000～15000 (depending on model) |
| Sludge discharge method | Manual discharge / automatic piston discharge (partial · full discharge) / continuous nozzle discharge |
| Dynamic balancing accuracy | Grade G6.3 (bowl and disc stack assembly) |
| Operating indicators | Vibration velocity ≤2.8 mm/s; sound pressure level ≤88 dB(A); mean time between failures ≥7000 h |
5. Electrical Parameters
| Region | Voltage | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| China / Russia / Central Asia | 380V | 50Hz |
| Middle East / Southeast Asia / Africa | 400V / 415V | 50Hz |
| South Korea | 380V | 60Hz |
| Americas (if required) | 440V / 480V | 60Hz |
| Note: voltage and frequency must be specified for the main motor and the control cabinet (including the hydraulic / pneumatic sludge discharge control circuit). |
6. Core Component Selection
| Component | Common Brand / Material | Features and Application |
|---|---|---|
| Bowl and disc stack | Custom manufactured | Precision stamped or centrifugally cast, dynamically balanced to grade G6.3 |
| Vertical shaft and main bearings | SKF / FAG / NSK | High precision, high-speed capable, smooth running and long service life |
| Paring pump (centripetal pump) | Custom matched | Compact structure, stable discharge pressure, suitable for closed conveying |
| Control system | Siemens / Schneider (brand can be specified) | Automatic sludge discharge sequence control, vibration and temperature monitoring |
7. Typical Application Areas
Food and dairy: milk skimming and clarification, cream separation, juice clarification, brewer's yeast recovery
Fats, oils and chemicals: degumming and soapstock removal of vegetable oil, biodiesel glycerin separation, fatty acid separation
Pharmaceutical and biotech: separation of microbial cells from fermentation broth, clarification of antibiotic extracts, vaccine and protein purification
Energy and marine: fuel oil and lubricating oil purification, marine oil separation, regeneration of cutting fluids and quenching oil
8. Design Standards and Certification
| Standard | Description |
|---|---|
| JB/T 8103.1-2025 | Disc separator — Part 1: General specification |
| GB 19814-2005 | Separators — Safety requirements |
| ISO 9001:2015 | Quality management system |
| CE / EAC / GOST-R | Available on request for international orders |
9. Optional Custom Configurations
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Separation type | Clarifying / separating / three-phase separating |
| Sludge discharge method | Manual discharge / automatic piston discharge / continuous nozzle discharge |
| Drive mode | Belt drive / direct-coupled motor / variable frequency drive |
| Special design | Explosion-proof / gas-tight nitrogen blanketed / CIP and SIP in-place cleaning / thermostatic jacketed |
10. Warranty Terms
| Equipment Condition | Warranty Period | Warranty Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| New equipment | 12 months | Bowl and disc stack, vertical shaft bearings, drive system |
| Refurbished equipment | 6 months | Bowl and disc stack, vertical shaft bearings, drive system |
| Idle equipment | 3 months | Main functional components |
11. Packaging and Delivery
| Item | Packaging Method |
|---|---|
| Main machine body | Wrapped in waterproof tarpaulin, on a wooden pallet base or shipped bare |
| Motor / control cabinet | Fully enclosed wooden case |
| Disc stack and precision parts | Rust-protection treatment, packed separately in wooden cases |
| Container capacity estimate (for reference only, subject to the actual configuration): | |
| Small models (bowl ≤400 mm): approx. one 20'GP container | |
| Medium and large models (bowl ≥470 mm): approx. one 40'GP container or LCL shipment | |
| On-site installation and commissioning guidance can be provided. |
12. Information Required for Inquiry
12. Information Required for Quotation Material name, density difference and viscosity of the two phases, solids content and particle size; throughput (m³/h); separation requirements (clarity / separation precision / number of phases); material temperature and pH; explosion-proof and hygienic grade requirements; preferred equipment condition (new / refurbished / idle); delivery terms (FOB/CIF/DDP); port of destination.